Chaos has taken over the Houndstooth Manor!

MORRISBURG — It’s that time of year again. Time for the Iroquois-Matilda Lion’s Club to show off their acting skills for their bi-annual Lion’s Club Play. This spring’s play Madame’s Been Murdered Tea will be Late, written by Pat Cook, will be the group’s 19th show.

The play is a murder-mystery type show that takes place at Houndstooth Manor.

According to Lion’s Club member Barry Fawcett, “Houndstooth Manor has fallen on hard times, and with many people passing through its doors, anything can happen. A real puzzle to figure out, it is sure to get you on the edge of your seat.”

The tradition of the club presenting a show began back in 1984, when a group decided that it would be a fun way to raise some funds for the club. It has turned out to be the largest fundraiser for the club, with thousands of dollars raised, and donated back into the community. The club supports many charities in the community, hospice, community living, food banks, and many youth oriented programs, as well as many other causes to name a few. For the past several years the club has worked with Talking about Mental Illness (TAMI) a program specifically working to bring education to youth in schools about dealing with mental health issues.

Seen in image above: Lion’s Club veterans Margaret Swerdfeger and Steve Wilson play as the comical maid and butler in “Madame’s been Murdered Tea will be Late.” Smith photo, Nation Valley News

Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club is a group of about 34 members, who all come together to work on the play, selling tickets, building sets, costumes, and decorating the set. Originally the plays were presented on stage at Seaway District High School, but with their success eventually moved the venue to Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg. Donnie Bowes and staff at the playhouse are instrumental in the success of the shows, providing insight and support with technical help, and selling tickets at the box office.

Seen in image above: Glenn Swerdfeger sleeps in his winged-back chair on stage during a dress rehearsal of “Madame’s been Murdered Tea will be Late”. Smith photo, Nation Valley News

Wendy Gibb has been director of all the shows the club has done, her work starts early with selection of a play. She reads a number of scripts, and considers the number of volunteers who are interested in acting, and selects a show that is always entertaining, and that will be of interest to all ages.

The cast all members of the club, spouses, and friends, give freely of their time and rehearsals start in January, and continue till the show opening. This year’s show will see all the cast regulars, familiar faces too many who have seen other performances.

Scotiabank in South Mountain and Morrisburg are on board with the club selling tickets at both branches, and are “Matching Funding” to support the club. Tickets are also available at Upper Canada Playhouse, Mustard’s Variety in Iroquois and from members of the Lions club. The show dates are Thursday April 19 @ 8:00 p.m., Friday April 20 @ 8:00 p.m., and Saturday April 21, with a matinee @ 2:00 p.m. and an evening show @ 8:00 p.m.

Tickets for Saturday night’s viewing are nearly sold out so get your tickets soon!

Sit back and be entertained by the Iroquois-Matilda Lion’s Club, and enjoy Madam’s Been Murdered Tea Will be Late.

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